How to Protect Your Ability to Get a Mortgage

[I]f you have been shopping for a home or just learning about what it takes to get a home loan, you probably already know the importance of a good credit history. Along with this important piece of the puzzle are other factors that you want to consider.
Inconsistent Income
While you may average...
How to Protect Your Ability to Get a Mortgage

How to Build Good Credit When You Have None

[H]aving no credit is almost as bad as having bad credit. Many creditors are unwilling to lend to you if you have no credit history, but you can’t establish a credit history if no one will take a chance on you. This catch-22 can leave you feeling frustrated, but don’t worry. There are ways of bui...
How to Build Good Credit When You Have None

Celebrate the Small Wins in Your Move Towards Financial Freedom

[I]f you are working to improve your credit score, you know how difficult it is to see major changes. Your score may go up three or four points and then back down. You may pay off a small credit card and expect to see a new number, but it only improves by 10 points. If you have a long way to go...
Celebrate the Small Wins in Your Move Towards Financial Freedom

Why You Need to Understand Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards For Your Credit

[E]ven though you can use credit and debit cards in most of the same places, but that doesn’t mean they are the exact same. There are several differences between the two that you need to be aware of.
Fees and Balances
A debit card is linked directly with money in your bank account. You can only s...
Why You Need to Understand Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards For Your Credit

Understanding How Credit Impacts Your Home Purchase

[I]f you have been working to improve your credit so that you can buy a home, you have probably been watching the news reports about credit changes closely. Just a couple of years ago, you couldn’t purchase a home at all with most lenders if your credit score was below 640. With the economy i...
Understanding How Credit Impacts Your Home Purchase

Should You Check Your Credit Score?

[M]ost people never check their credit score or only check it occasionally. While you see many advocates for regular credit checks or signing up with a credit monitoring program, there are plenty of times when you won’t have to worry about your credit. However, that doesn’t mean you should ign...
Should You Check Your Credit Score?

Can You Get a Business Loan with Poor Credit?

[S]tarting a new business is an exciting but often scary idea. If you have bad credit, you may find it is even more difficult. If you need to fund your new business with inventory or capital, you may discover that getting a loan is almost impossible. However, alternatives are available to help...
Can You Get a Business Loan with Poor Credit?